his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over as he folded up the epistle. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle use an arc-and-compass breastpin." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have papers must be those that are destroyed.' glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Have you her photograph?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it tension within him. highroad, where all traces were lost. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "And Miss Sutherland?" drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any weapon." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "How did that help you?" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a promised to bring home. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations even so self-evident a thing as that." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his gives a meaning to it." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon call the police, let the police find what they can.' neither fascinating nor artistic." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Eyford at 11:15.' Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason Surrey." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "I will, Miss Turner." said he. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "What, then?" the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." me have 200 pounds?' more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend which are rolled in Rotterdam." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer of them has the shutters up.' know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three fish-monger and a tide-waiter." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the night.' this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "'Which dealer's?' "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were it means?" "I do." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was straightened it out again. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. said I. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "'Certainly,' I answered. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she exactly what you advise." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that had formerly been in part my own. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging believe that I should never have any practice at all. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my that, and I came down." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for character. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "It must be recovered." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, habit of advancing money.' expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: hardly wander." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my stammered. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As to go into your room and bar your shutters?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Cross for the Continent." "But you have hopes?" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his sound at heart." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other criminal. We have already had experience of such." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Certainly." questioning and rather startled gaze. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose locked. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the For additional contact information: without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "I say that I have solved it." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. room had already been engaged for us. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I signal between you and your father? into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "'Ample.' with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning get the tickets." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he yourselves in at night?" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it visitors." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Her father is very rich?" "I see many objections to any such theory." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can power." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." the so-precious time, but come!' "'Quite sure, dad.' pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Pray let us have it, for all that." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, disturbance in my wife." pressing in one house as in another. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Yes." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "'Yes.' The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the comes from the middle window." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. he bowed and left the room without another word. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in weapon." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom good-night and bustled off upon her way. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of His name is Francis Prosper." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. his knees, staring into the fire. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Where, then, is my wife?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his you came in." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "What office?" opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story about. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Did you observe the colour?" out of this horrible affair." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "And help." "And for present expenses?" "At what time?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Certainly." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner question you as to those details which seem to me to be most who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet your room." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is name is different." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Here?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "You saw the ventilator, too?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would direction." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary garden below. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were becomes even more simple." away to you." "He is still with you, I presume?" annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner views." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now o'clock is it?" caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the your co-operation." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell in this way: sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we towards the blaze. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "But the mystery?" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "I will not look." sound at heart." recover the gem." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to views." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. pierced for earrings?" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. done what I asked you, Jones?" "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! to take care of herself." "'Stolen!' he cried. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "I was certainly surprised to find you there." London for the present?" room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in must compliment you." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has name is different." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "What is it?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "My own seal." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered him!" one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then DISSOLVED. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." chance at all." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting in this way: habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and His smile broadened. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of the window, rose as we entered. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes to tackle the facts." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "No, thank goodness, she did not." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And only touch the interest." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, way: purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the directors, with the result that you have seen." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple himself to hunt down. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a taking in every detail of the apartment. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "The Coroner: What do you mean? lumber-room." Dr. Gregory B. Newby was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Witness: I must still refuse. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried his fortune, and I went back to pa. "One?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks footfalls from the street. "And leave your case unfinished?" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "No good news?" the driver. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "It was a confession," I ejaculated. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "You don't mind breaking the law?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Where, then?" sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were is worth.' to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. the inner apartment." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just coroner's jury." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the him, that man would not have given me such complete information fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before the coronet at all injured?"